Chapter 13: A Night in Asgard
Hermione plunges headfirst into wizarding politics, starting a tenative alliance with Titus Malfoy who is in the States for business. While plotting on how to get Hermione on her own, Gellert's possesive streak boils over when Gavin corners her and gropes her.
Cast:
Titus Malfoy: Charles Dance
Gavin Knowles: Nathaniel Buzolic
Hermione Granger: Emma Watson
Gellert Grindlewald: Colin Farrell
Percival Graves: Johnny Depp
Note: I do not own Harry Potter. I do own Titus Malfoy, Gavin Knowles, Madam Blanche and this plot line.
Hermione's POV
As Gell led her towards a replica of the Bifrost Bridge and the line forming with the other arrivals she felt a shift in him. His magic suddenly was tightly coiled around him, His jaw clenched, and he let go of her arm, resting his around her hips. It was a possesive gesture, one that usually would make her angry.
However, seeing the longing looks other women sent him and the glares they gave her made her feel a little possesive herself! One woman in the line had the audacity to pull down her already plunging neckline and wink at him in front of her!
When she greeted Hermione she pulled close to the blonde bimbo's ear. "If I were you, Iris, I'd keep my eyes on my own date. Because if you look at mine like that one more time or try to touch him again, I'll gouge yours out and wear them for earrings!" she threatened.
Iris just smirked at her, moving along. "That was a little possesive, my Jem." He smirked at her approvingly a glint in his eye that made her legs a little weak for a moment. "I once kept a unregistered Animagus in a jar for over a month just because she wrote lies about me and my friends. Of course I'm possesive!" she huffed. "And violent, and ruthless, perfect." He whispered in her ear.
"Didn't you say we need to focus tonight?!" she shot back. "That's a little difficult with you in that dress!" he confessed. She felt a deep sense of feminine pride at that comment. "Well, thank you but it's almost our turn." she responded with a slight blush. He smiled back at her. "Well then, time to play the game!" And they walked up onto the platform.
"Announcing Director Percival Graves, Head of Law Enforcement and Security for the Magical Congress of the United States and Undersecretary Hermione Granger of the Regulation of Magical Creatures Division!" At their que, Gell let go of her hip and held out his arm and gave her a slight bow. She answered with a curtsey and took it, suddenly deeply grateful she didn't have on heels!
She glided down the bridge with Gell and they were met by a waiter at the bottom. A highly decorated Viking themed long table was there. To her shock they were led to the right hand side of Madam President Picquery herself! Gell took the President's offered hand and kissed the back of it.
"Madam President, an honor as always." he stated. Multiple flashes of cameras went off. "Director Graves, Undersecretary Granger, welcome! Have a seat!" President Picquery stated with a smile, gesturing to the seats on her right. It was a place of honor, Hermione noted, and a powerful political gesture made by the Madam President to have placed them there.
She was making a statement. But what that statement meant was lost on Hermione. "Thank you Madam President." she replied, giving her a curtsey before sitting down. Gell bowed. They both turned in their seats back to the replica of the Bifrost to note who else who might be useful was there.
"Liason to the No Maj President of the United States Gavin Knowles and his secretary Miss Amelia Dunheardt." came an announcement. Hermione grabbed Gell's hand under the table trying to keep him calm as he engaged murdering Gavin with his eyes. They were pitch black in their fury, and gave Hermione a glimpse of the Gellert Dumbledore feared. That look sent chills down her spine!
"Not here, Gell!" she urgently whispered in his ear as Gavin swaggered over to them. "Soon!" he whispered back darkly. Gavin gave an exaggerated, almost mocking bow to the Madam President while his date politely curtseyed, looking to all the world as if she wanted to be anywhere but where she was at the moment. Hermione felt sympathy for her.
If SHE had been forced to be Gavin's date, she would rather be anywhere else too! Something about the wizard set alarm bells off in her head. Something dark and twisted that reminded her all to much of Fenrir Greyback. His position in MACUSA gave him a great deal of power. A fact he constantly reminded her of.
Handsome as he was, he made her skin crawl, made her feel dirty. "Madam President, gorgeous as always! Merry Yule!" Gavin began to lay on the charm, playing is bad boy persona to the hilt for the cameras, making sure they caught him winking at her. President Picquery chuckled indulgently. "Merry Yule you scoundrel! Come, sit next to me." she replied looking at Gavin with fondness in her eyes.
Hermione didn't like this! Not one bit! His gaze slid to her for the briefest moment, but what she saw sent a tidal wave of revulsion through her! She had to make sure to never be alone that night! Amelia sat next to him. With great effort, still holding Gell's hand, She turned back towards the front.
"Lord Titus Malfoy, Head of Malfoy Industries!" Hermione nearly choked in shock. In the previous timeline Titus Malfoy did not publicly support Gellert, But privately arranged supplies for his troops in Europe and sent him information from The Ministry of Magic. Though prejudiced as the rest of the family he felt it prudent to first do away with the Statute and handle the muggles first before purifying the bloodlines.
Hermione hated everything he stood for, but this was a rare opportunity. Lord Malfoy had the money and the power to help them in a way very few families could. His influence was spread throughout the Western World, more than likely, they were going to need him!
She watched him close as he made his way over to the Madam President. "Good evening and Happy Yule Madam President." he drawled, his face a perfect mask. Lord Titus put his son and grandson to shame! His greying platinum hair was cut short. His face severe instead of beautiful. His grey eyes were colder than ice and more calculating than anyone she ever met!
His robes screamed wealth, made of black velvet and form fitting with green trim and he had a silver snake head cane with emerald stones for eyes. "Merry Yule Lord Malfoy. I'm glad you could take the time to join us." President Picquery's voice stated nuetrally. "My business here is almost concluded, but one must never miss the opportunity for new business, Madam President." he stated coolly.
Even his voice was cold! "Indeed! Enjoy your night!" the President responded. Hermione made sure to note where he sat. The announcements went on, and after the longest hour of Hermione's life, finally everyone was seated. All the giblets began to fill with Spiced Mead.
The President stood and raised a glass. "Friends, allies, well wishers, I welcome you all to our Annual Yule Ball!" she started. There was thunderous applause and several flashes from cameras. The press recording everything they could. The President smiled and held up her left hand for silence.
"This year hasn't always been easy. Many have sought against our ways. We've had many close calls in regards to the Statute! But do to the dedication of our Law Enforcement all those situations were dealt with and our country kept safe! Director Graves, Aurors, please stand and be recognised!" she went on.
Hermione bit back a laugh as Gell was forced to stand for "Defending the Statute of Secrecy". The crowd gave them a loud ovation. All applauded she noted, but Gavin. That uneasy feeling came back. "Now, due to their hard work we are safer than ever. We can look forward to the New Year without fear! May you all flourish and grow and the Gods bless you all!" she finished.
With that she drained her glass, everyone following suit. Hermione's mead tasted a little off, like someone added to much honey. She shrugged it off as the food appeared. There was ham, roasted duck, and Turkey with mashed potatoes, vegetables and shrimp cocktails.
She loaded her plate as Gell did the same. "Many of the politicians will try to get you to drink and get you to promise favors, so watch your glass." he warned her. She nodded in response. It happened enough with the Ministry. She was pretty sure that was how the Minister found himself in Lucius Malfoy's back pocket.
Towards the end of the meal a jazz band began to play. Gell stood up and with a smile asked "May I have this dance?" Hermione blushed but gave him her hand. "Certainly, Percival!" she said. He led her to the dance floor. Gavin's eyes locked on her.
A slow song started, and Gell pulled her close. "I don't like how he looks at you! It isn't right!" he told her, his hold on her waist grew tighter, possessive. "I know. I don't like it either. But he is a powerful public figure and there are cameras everywhere! We will have to deal with him at some point, but not tonight!" she said back.
"Now, I want to talk to you about Lord Malfoy." she spoke. That caught his attention. "He has influence in every magical government in the Western World." Gell stated. "That's not the most interesting thing about him though." Hermione replied. Gell dipped her and brought her close again.
"Malfoy Industries is an international juggernaut with offices in nearly every country in the world, including China and Japan! He has the ability to move product to anywhere in the world. We look to basically launch a hostile takeover of the steel and oil industries. Surely you see where I'm going with this." She stated.
"The steel yes. But most of the magical world doesn't drive." He stated. "No, but they do use kerosene lamps to light their homes. Or did you forget how Rockefeller first made his fortune?" She gave him a cheeky grin. "Gods we really are backwards! We are going to have to fix that, you and I" he stated.
She laughed. "We will conquer the issue of integrating modern technology and dragging our fellows kicking and screaming into the 20th Century later." she stated. "Lord Malfoy is to strategicly well placed to ignore. I don't like him, but we need him. So I shall simply have to make him an offer he can't refuse." she said.
"I can help with that. The only country Malfoy has failed to stretch to is Germany, where my House controls the market. Open to offer up that market for him with this." he put something in her hand. She stopped for a moment to look at it. "Your Heir Ring! If course!" she exclaimed.
He chuckled. "Go on now Jem. Snag him for us!" he said with a wink. The song was over and they bowed before she went off to find Lord Malfoy. As luck would have it he actually looked happy to see her! "Excuse me gentlemen but I promised the lovely Lady Granger a dance!" he stated. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.
As soon as they moved past the men she said "a dance?" "Sounded swell at the time. Now tell me Madam Undersecretary, what can I do for you?" he asked. They began to dance. "Waisting pretty words on a mudblood my Lord?" she spit out. Lord Malfoy actually laughed.
"Oh come now! Surely you know not all muggleborn are created equal! There are the strong ones, like yourself, made by the Gods to bring new blood to an Old House and increase its powers. And then there are mudbloods. Hedge Wizards, Kitchen Witches with barely enough power to make a brew or cast a single spell." Hermione was pretty sure her jaw dropped.
"I can't say I ever thought of it that way." she finally said. " Its true dear" he stated. "Now what can I do for your House?" he asked. She showed him the ring and told him the plan. "Ambitious and intriguing, young lady. I will let Lord Grindlewald know my terms to this arrangement. Enjoy the party!" he said with a bow.
She felt a sense of triumph. Then an arm snaked around from behind. " Going so soon?" a voice asked. Hermione's blood froze. "Don't make a scene. Follow me." Gavin stated. Her feet moved without her willing them to a lonely hall. She couldn't stop them!
Gavin pinned her painfully to a wall. "Alright, I'm tired of playing games mudblood! I'm going to have you, here, now. And you'll beg me for more!" He whispered in her ear. Hermione shuddered but couldn't move! "That's more like it doll!" he stated. He squeezed her left breast painfully.
And then he was off her. "I warned you, Gavin! Crucio!" Gell whispered in his ear and began he o scream. "Silencio!" Gell cast. " I crafted a spell, just for you Gavin. Really you should be honored! Every time you think of her you will know this pain. And Gavin, there is no counter spell!" He said. He had Hermione in his arms soon after.
"My Jem!" he cast the counter curse. Hermione was shaken. "We're leaving. Hold on darling!"